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Inspiration for living a luxuriously and balanced life

Monday, February 11, 2013

Tea and the City ...

When I travel to the city for medical appointments I'm usually back in the country the same day (if someone else has driven) or I stay overnight; leaving first thing the next day. But last week instead of just going into the the city for my annual orthopedic appointment for my elbow ~ I decided to stay at our city home for a few days. This meant I would get to see a friend or two and take in some of the fabulous things city life offers.

Image via Fiorio ~ Flagship location Yorkville

First stop on my adventure in the city was a much long over-due trip to a city hair salon. Don't get me wrong ... I have found some good hairstylists since moving to the country - BUT there really is nothing that compares to the experts at FIORIO when you are in dire need of a root touch up. And that it's conveniently located in my old play ground of Yorkville ~ need a girl say more?

Image via Fiorio ~ 2nd Floor colouring

After having Mark work his magic colour brush on my over grown roots and brassy locks ~ and his assistant working her magic with blow dryer and brush ... I felt GREAT!!

Having driven into the city earlier that day and spending a couple hours at the salon, this girl was getting hungry - and not looking forward to getting home and cooking. No worries ... Pusateri's is only a 2 minute walk away. And serves up healthy meals to go!
Cashew encrusted baked turkey breast, garlic steamed broccoli and orange couscous ... dinner ready in seconds - just warm it up- once I was inside our city home.

The next evening it was off to meet Ms. J for dinner at North 44 ... can you say tres delicious food and wonderful atmosphere? I enjoyed scrumptious lobster bisque with a generous portion of succulent lobster pieces! Followed by a huge strip loin steak cooked to medium rare perfection with frites and sauteed spinach!!! Don't worry I did not eat all 12 oz of that steak, I remembered portion control - eating only a third of it and taking the remainder home (making two additional meals).

Ms. J enjoyed seared Ahi tuna with Japanese pear, cucumber, Yuzu and chili followed by Braised short ribs with chanterelle risotto and roasted beets.

We concluded our meal with a cup of ginger and pear tea.

YES, but of course ... we did enjoy North 44's divine desserts ... Ms. J ~ Chocolate pot de crème and moi I was a "good" girl - I went for the sorbet ~ Vanilla ice cream with Pear and ginger; and huckleberry sorbet. Ok... maybe I did indulge - but after all I was in the city and at North 44 - no less.

Restaurants, boutiques and a great hair salon, time with friends ... City Life, you gotta love it!

Dearest Celia,Guess this is the very first time that I read: 'frites'... Made me happy and feeling like being home again. We say that all the time for the French pommes frites, instead of what they use here the French fries...You sound so happy and bubbly in this post! Wow, the dining is so elegant + healthy and those are two big plus. Love the tea and also its clever, lidded presentation. It makes you feel so good for holding a hot cup of tea and feeling happy and cozy inside. So great that you had your hair done and visiting a dear friend. Feeding body and soul and off to the country again.Hugs to you dear friend.Mariette

Good you had a great time and spoiled yourself. I'm living on an island and from time to time I pant for city air. After 3 days nuzzle it, shopping, and enjoyed a lux life style I'long for my simple barefoot life and be quite happy to go back.

Sounds like you had a fabulous day, Celia. The meals sound delicious. I think I would have to try the Chocolate pot de creme! ;)My son misses Toronto. He lives in Illinois now and as much as he likes where he is, he still misses the big City. He always told me it offered everything one could want.So happy you could join me for tea today. Take care, my friend, and enjoy your day.

Ahhhhh, my kind of adventure :) ... love the way a stop at a salon can make you feel like a new woman and getting together with friends and relaxing over good food and tea are the things that make life wonderful! Thanks for stopping by, love, and your sweet words ... have a beautiful Valentine's week! xo ~S

All the places I miss out here too! I went into the city with a friend a few weeks ago and I was soooooooo happy! I showed him *my* Toronto and he said it was very obvious I miss the city. But then when I see the water tower signalling my little town is just a few minutes more on the 401 I get warm fuzzies because I know I am home again.

How lovely! I have only gone through the city on my way to an airport or ship. How fun! Ya gotta take advantage of a few treats when you're going in to the doctor's. We combine a partial day out or overnight with trips to the neurologist in Seattle. It's a wonderful change. So glad you had such a wonderful time! Thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!Ruth

Mmmmmm Ginger and pear tea, with those beautiful desserts! What a treat! The tea table setting is wonderful as well. That must have been a nice time away from home. Thanks so much for sharing,hugs,Terri

Dear Celia,It's always nice to getaway for some much needed relaxation! You look like you had a fabulous time in Toronto. Your meal, tea and dessert looks amazing. My hubby & I are staying in Toronto when we come back from Cuba in March. Can't wait! Happy Valentine's day!hugs,Lisa

Toronto is the only PLACE in Canada I've been too because some friends moved there and we went 3 times in the l980's. I thought the city was lovely and thank you for sharing your trip! I'm so glad to linked to Friends Sharing Tea.

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